Yvette 59 (Diagnosed at 49)
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me...":
That nothing is guaranteed. I have to work at staying healthy even as my body fights me.
What are your most difficult symptoms?:
Fatigue, swelling, dry eye, and joint pain
How has Sjögren's impacted your life (either physically, emotionally, financially)?:
Yes, it has. I am no longer as active as I was. The fatigue and flare-ups keep me from achieving many of my goals.
How do you effectively cope with the complexity of symptoms?:
I have a team of doctors I see to manage the different symptoms. I stopped taking medication due to side effects. I am now exploring other options totry to rest, keep track of any changes in eating habits, monitor exercise, and maintain a positive outlook.
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?:
This is a disease so few people know about or understand. You have be prepared to advocate for yourself. It's been 10 years and every time I've mentioned I have Sjögren's, I have to tell them what it is.
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?:
I have a hard stop. I listen to my bodily cues and stop whatever I'm doing. My family, friends, and coworkers know when I say I'm done, I am.
What is your go-to Sjögren's product?:
Ayr everthing- nasal gel, saline mist, etc, Systane drops, Aquaphor and Cetaphil, and Dentyne gum
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?:
Be kind to yourself. Your best is your best.
Yvette 59 (Diagnosed at 49)
Please finish the following sentence: "Sjögren's has taught me...":
That nothing is guaranteed. I have to work at staying healthy even as my body fights me.
What are your most difficult symptoms?:
Fatigue, swelling, dry eye, and joint pain
How has Sjögren's impacted your life (either physically, emotionally, financially)?:
Yes, it has. I am no longer as active as I was. The fatigue and flare-ups keep me from achieving many of my goals.
How do you effectively cope with the complexity of symptoms?:
I have a team of doctors I see to manage the different symptoms. I stopped taking medication due to side effects. I am now exploring other options totry to rest, keep track of any changes in eating habits, monitor exercise, and maintain a positive outlook.
What do you wish people knew about your Sjögren’s?:
This is a disease so few people know about or understand. You have be prepared to advocate for yourself. It's been 10 years and every time I've mentioned I have Sjögren's, I have to tell them what it is.
How do you incorporate self-care with managing Sjögren's?:
I have a hard stop. I listen to my bodily cues and stop whatever I'm doing. My family, friends, and coworkers know when I say I'm done, I am.
What is your go-to Sjögren's product?:
Ayr everthing- nasal gel, saline mist, etc, Systane drops, Aquaphor and Cetaphil, and Dentyne gum
What’s your best Sjögren’s tip?:
Be kind to yourself. Your best is your best.